Different architectural fragments are dispersed next to the pratoli (entrance gateway), in the premises of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. Seen here are fragments of a pillar capital, part of the samvarna shikhara (pyramidical superstructure) of the mandapa (pillared hall), and a pillar fragment. Minute carvings on the round shaft remnant of the pillar.
Pictured here is a view of the two-storeyed entrance gateway to the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. The gateway is part of an enclosure wall that demarcates the boundaries of the complex on all four sides. Inside the enclosure walls are several temples, of which the shikhara (superstructure) of the Mahanaleshwar Temple is visible from the outside.
Sculpture of a six-handed Bhairava in a devakoshtha (niche) on the right-side wall of the entrance gateway to the Mahanaleshwar complex. The attributes that Bhairava holds include a kapala (human skull), a khatvanga (staff with a human skull), a damru (hourglass-shaped drum), a khadga (dagger), a dhal (shield), and a talwar (a type of sword). The Bhairava sculpture is flanked by a dog and a skeletal figure.
Pictured here is the north-facing view of the two-storeyed entrance gateway of the Mahanaleshwar temple complex. It is a semi-open space with a porch on the ground floor, a plain balcony with dwarf walls on the first floor, and a canopy with a pyramidical spire on the top.
Details of the base mouldings of the Suswani Mata Temple. Four mouldings of the vedibandha (basal mouldings) are visible- from bottom to top khura (hoof), kumbha (pot), kalasha (pitcher), kapotali (cyma recta). There are floral motifs on the front face of the kumbha moulding.
Seen here is an inscribed and sculpted hero stone (memorial stone) in the Suswani Mata temple premises, which is built in memory of the deceased soul. It is approximately five feet in height and the front face has an inscription at the centre and human figures in the upper part. The stele is capped with a shikhara (superstructure or spire) motif.
Details of the Latina Nagara (mono-spired) shikhara (superstructure) above the main garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the Suswani Mata Temple. The corner bands termed as the venukosha are composed of small aedicules placed in diminishing heights, divided by thin ribbed discus or amalaka. The discus looks like beaded bands. The aedicules have ribbed corners and diamond motifs on the front faces.
View of the modern dharmashala (a charitable public rest house or shelter) rooms added surrounding the verandah (open-air hallway or porch) of the Suswani Mata temple complex. The shikhara (superstructure) of the main temple and the flagstaff of the centrally located old temple are visible from the open ground in front of the main gate.
Seen here is the front side, east-facing, of the shikhara (superstructure) above the main Suswani Mata Temple which is of a Latina Nagara (mon-spired) variety. Square on plan, the shikhara is composed of curvilinear bands. A vertical band of aedicules arranged in a descending manner from top to bottom on the corners. The central band is plain.